North Korea reignited tensions with South Korea by launching balloons filled with trash toward its southern neighbor on Monday night, sparking concerns about potential provocations in the region following a defense pact with Russia.
The South Korean military urged citizens to report any debris from the balloons, which are drifting southeastward. This latest escalation comes after a major defense deal was signed between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
International observers have expressed worry over the growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, with South Korea, the United States, and Japan condemning the partnership in a joint statement.
As tensions mount, the U.S. deployed a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to South Korea for joint military exercises, prompting criticism from Pyongyang. Experts warn of potential further escalations and unpredictable actions from North Korea in the wake of the defense pact.
Despite efforts to de-escalate through propaganda broadcasts and security measures, the situation in the Korean Peninsula remains volatile, with concerns about the potential for more drastic provocations from Pyongyang.
Source: VOA News